Question

Why did Woodrow Wilson want peace, but other countries wanted Germany to pay large reparations ($80 million)?

a) Wilson was seeking revenge.
b) Wilson believed in the superiority of the American economy.
c) Wilson wanted to ensure future German aggression.
d) Other countries wanted to punish Germany.

Answer 1

Woodrow Wilson desired a fair and lasting peace after World War I based on democratic principles and self-determination, whereas other Allied countries wanted Germany to pay reparations for the war damages, leading to the harsh Treaty of Versailles.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason Woodrow Wilson wanted peace while other countries sought reparations from Germany after World War I was based on differing perspectives on how to ensure stability and prevent future conflicts. Wilson advocated for "a just and lasting peace" following the senseless violence of the war. His vision, outlined in his Fourteen Points, aimed to address the causes of the war and promote democratic principles and nations' right to self-determination. On the other hand, the other Allied Powers, particularly Britain and France, saw the need to make Germany pay due to the severe damages they incurred during the war. The resulting Treaty of Versailles ended up imposing harsh conditions on Germany, including over $33 billion in reparations and a 'war guilt' clause, which later contributed to economic instability and the rise of Adolf Hitler.